What should I do if I have a warrant out for me in Sarasota or Manatee County?

While having a warrant out for your arrest may seem like the end of the world, you do have options. Keep in mind that an arrest warrant is a peripheral part of a criminal charge. Whether it's an arrest warrant or bench warrant, you will still be able to fight your criminal charges.

First, you can wait and hope that law enforcement does not pick you up on the warrant. This is not the suggested way to deal with a warrant. Law enforcement will likely be actively checking your last known residence and place of employment for you. Law enforcement may also catch you driving and stop you then and execute the warrant. Because of the uncertainty of waiting for cops to find you, it is not suggested that you choose this path.

The better way to handle a warrant is to arrange to turn yourself in on the warrant. This way you will not have to try and figure out how to bond while you are in the jail. This ensures that you will spend the least amount of time in jail. If the warrant in your case does not have a bond, an attorney can show up on your behalf at first appearances and request your immediate release or a significantly lower bond.

Another thing an attorney can do for you is arrange some type of resolution. An attorney may talk with the State on your behalf and get some kind of plea agreement. This would allow you to show up in court for the plea, resolve your case to what your attorney and the State have agreed to, and have the warrant served and dismissed without ever having to go into the jail. This is often the best resolution. This generally happens more often in misdemeanor cases than felony cases, but this is a good way to avoid jail and resolve your case at the same time.

If you or someone you know has a pending warrant, do not hesitate to contact us at (941) 444-5128. Soler & Simon has the experience to ensure that the warrant, and your entire case is, resolved in the best possible way for you.